Area runners shine at annual Turkey Trot

Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 29, 2009

BAD AXE— The Pat Kellerman Memorial Turkey Trot was held last weekend.

The race started at 11 a.m. The weather was fantastic for the runners and walkers.

The race is sponsored jointly by the Thumb Runabouts, Buckley’s Shoes and McDonald’s Food & Family Center.

There were 113 total runners and walkers from throughout Michigan.

The first-place male runner was Ben Siewert from Frankenmuth. His time was 17:11 for the 3.1 mile course.

The first-place female runner was Ali Wessels from Harbor Beach in 20:03.

The first walker for the males was Rod Craig from Bad Axe. His time was 26:48.

For the females, the winner was Deb Topham from Mayville in a time of 29:31.

The winners of each age group received a turkey. Second place got a pumpkin pie and third place received a 1/2 gallon of cider.

A pair of shoes, donated by Buckley’s and the Thumb Runabouts, was won by Linda Flues of Bay City.

The race was started with the traditional muzzleloader. All of this is done to bring people to Bad Axe and to continue the tradition of the Thanksgiving spirit which is a sign of freedom for our country.